Daniel Webster Middle School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has just begun a transformation to a new era of learning. Last spring, the school won a nationwide contest, and ultimately was given the opportunity to take part in Verizon Innovative Learning, the signature program of the Verizon Foundation. This week, Daniel Webster got the first taste of what being a Verizon Innovative Learning school means, as students were treated to an immersive virtual reality field trip.
Fair Trade USA, the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the leading certification and labelling program for responsible aquaculture, have signed an MOU to pilot Fair Trade USA’s requirements in some ASC-certified fish farms. Through this collaboration, the organizations will implement Fair Trade USA’s innovative model of responsible business and conscious consumption in certified fish farms adhering to the robust environmental and social criteria of the ASC standard. The pilot will also examine how the Fair Trade program can work as a ladder towards ASC certification within the framework of ASC’s newly formed “Improver Programme.”
Back on My Feet, the national nonprofit organization committed to addressing homelessness, has announced that Eric J. Foss, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aramark, has joined its national board of directors.

Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources in 12 cities across the country, including Philadelphia, Aramark’s headquarters city.
Throughout the year, Common Impact has been taking a closer look at The Knitting Factor as a concept that best explains effective skills-based partnerships. Today we explore the sticky relationship component as a way to describe meaningful partnerships between companies and nonprofits that sustain far past an initial volunteer opportunity. Creating these relationships takes intention, time and an appreciation of the knowledge, resources and needs of both parties.